A lot of teens get into smoking thinking that most others do. This is completely inaccurate. Majority of the youth do not smoke, and so if we base being ‘cool’ or not on how prevalent the habit is, avoiding smoking is actually the ‘cool’ thing to do.
There are several reasons why any teen should not smoke, not even try to. Studies have already established that even the first puff of smoke can already trigger a series of damaging reactions in the body. Here are some of the reasons you should stay away from smoking:
1. Unhealthy skin. Smoking restricts blood vessels, thereby preventing the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This results to pale and unhealthy skin. A study has also established a link between increased risk of developing psoriasis, a type of skin disease, and smoking.
2. Lower physical stamina and increased risk of injury. Carbon monoxide not only robs your skin but also your muscles, brain and other body tissues of oxygen. This makes your heart, lungs and the rest of the body work harder. Smokers usually find a hard time competing with non-smoking peers because of rapid heartbeat, decreased circulation and shortness of breath.
3. Bad breath and body odor. Most smokers develop a condition called halitosis, or persistent bad breath. Also, the smell of cigarette and its smoke tends to stay on one’s hair, clothes and skin.
4. Smoking kills. Lung cancer is one of the top preventable cancers in the world. Not smoking significantly decreases risk of lung cancer. Aside from lung cancer, smoking also causes several other serious diseases like heart attack, stroke, emphysema, pregnancy complications, and other cancers.
Tags: teen nicotine abuse, teen smoking, teen tobacco abuse
